Best GPS Navigation Devices and Accessories

GPS navigating systems were a novelty less than a decade ago; now over two million drivers purchase portable GPS systems each year, and the number is projected to grow steadily. For people who often drive long distances over unfamiliar roads, these directional aides can be life savers. They rescue drivers from wrong turns confusing detours, saving both time and money during road travel.

Here are some of the most popular GPS navigation devices and accessories on the market today. Models range in price from $100 to $400 and come with simple instructions for updating the maps and mounting the unit in your car.

	Garmin nüvi 255W 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator The 255W features predictive technology, faster satellite lock, terrain maps, and new photo navigation. Text-to-Speech gives you turn by turn spoken directions with the real names of streets. The 4.3-inch (diagonal) screen displays 70% more of the road around you, and the lithium-ion battery makes for convenient navigation by car or foot.
	Garmin nüvi 255W 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator (Factory Refurbished) Save money on automotive GPS with factory refurbished devices. Same great product and featuers for about 2/3 or 1/2 of the cost.
	TomTom XXL 540S 5-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator GPS navigation with a 5-inch full-color LCD widescreen, touch display, and pre-loaded maps of US, Canada, and Mexico. The advanced lane guidance, with 7 million POIs and IQ Routes technology, gives you the fastest route every time by using actual average travel speeds.
	TomTom XL 330S 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator (Factory Refurbished) Lighter and more cost effective, the refurbished TomTom guides you with US and Canadian maps from TeleAtlas.
	Magellan RoadMate 1470 4.7-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator The exclusive Magellan OneTouch personalized search icons let you easily bookmark favorite destinations so you can find them anywhere you travel. Find your friend's house and favorite restaurant in any city with a single touch. Text-to-Speech and intuitive user interface.
	Magellan Maestro 4700 4.7-Inch Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator Extras include AAA TourBook guide, voice command, highway lane assist, Bluetooth compatability, predictive traffic, and multi-destination trip planning.
	Garmin GPS 60CSx Handheld GPS Navigator Not a vehicle GPS navigation system, but a handheld unit for hiking, backpacking, camping, or cross-country biking in an unfamiliar part of the country. The high-sensitivity GPS receiver by SiRF can track your position, even in tree cover and canyons.
	Delorme Earthmate PN-60 Portable GPS Navigator Find your position on the up-to-date DeLorme Topo USA maps 9.0. Navigate worry-free with complete US topographic detail, extensive trail coverage, US and Canadian roads, and places of interest including campgrounds, boat launch sites, unique natural features, prime hunting and fishing spots.
	Sirius SDSP5V1 Sportster 5 Dock and Play Radio with PowerConnect Not a GPS, but a best-selling XM/FM satellite radio for long drives. Delivers real-time scores and updates of your favorite teams and alerts when they're playing. Direct access to traffic and weather conditions of the 20 most congested cities. A great companion to GPS navigation devices.

These items make great gifts for new drivers, college students moving away from home, or anyone who spends too much time in the car. Don't forget to purchase dashboard mounts or rearview mirror clips so you can navigate hands free and focus on the road.

© Had2Know 2010